The weight of expectation

Colin Smith, who learnt to row on a lake full of crocodiles, will lead a team of giants against Cambridge in the Boat Race

In a crew of giants, Colin Smith seems almost pocket-sized. Yet, at 6ft and weighing 13st 9lb, he would still physically overwhelm most people. It is just that the Oxford University president leads an eight weighing an average of 15st 9¾lb who are both the heaviest in the 180 years of the Boat Race and favourites for the traditional event from Putney to Mortlake this afternoon.

Smith's rowing pedigree is second to none among today's crews. He has already taken part in two Boat Races, won a world championship bronze in 2007 and stroked the British eight to second place at the Beijing Olympics. He has a host of admirers in the sport who recognise his focus, athleticism and technical ability. David Tanner, the national performance director, says: "Colin is a driven guy who punches above his weight. What he does not bring in stature, he more than makes up